Scientists at Northern Illinois University are at the forefront of research to protect vision and prevent macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in Americans older than 50. At STEM Cafes, experts in science, technology, engineering and math give a brief, informal talk and then answer questions from people in attendance.

E-book Help Lab

Time: 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 18

Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services

More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 220

Drop-in lab for help downloading books to electronic devices. The library also has Kindles and Nooks available for check-out.

Bilingual Story Time

Time: 10 a.m.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 19

Place: DeKalb Public Library youth services

More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 250 or theresaw@dkpl.org

This story time for children up to age 5 and their caregivers includes stories, songs and puppet play in Spanish and English, so children learn to appreciate a second language. Translations are provided.

Farmers Market

Time: Noon – 6 p.m.

Dates: Thursdays through Sept. 26; next, Sept. 19

Place: Van Buer Plaza, North Second and Locust streets

'The Lion in Winter'

Time: 7:30 p.m. each day except Sept. 22; 2 p.m. Sept. 22

Dates: Sept. 19 – 22

Place: Stage Coach Players Theater, 126 S. Fifth St.

Tickets: Adults $12, children $9

Set in 1183, this 1966 play depicts the personal and political conflicts in the royal family of Henry II of England: Henry; his wife, Eleanor, recently released from a 10-year imprisonment; their sons Richard, Geoffrey and John; their guest Philip II of France; and Alais, Richard's fiancee and Henry's mistress.

Mexican food, a 50/50 cash raffle and raffles for books and other prizes, games, vendors, a moon bounce and Mexican folk dancers.

Saturday Cinema: 'Prince Among Slaves'

Time: 2 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 21

Place: DeKalb Public Library meeting room

More information: 815-756-9568, ext. 260

Part of the Muslim Journeys program, intended to foster informed community discussion about the histories, faith and cultures of Muslim peoples. This film is intended for mature teens and adults. Free, no registration.

Art Institute Bus Trip

Time: Bus departs at 10:30 a.m.

Date: Sunday, Sept. 22

Place: Bus leaves from and returns to the Northern Illinois University School of Art parking lot

Cost: Adults $18, students and seniors $15, NIU Art Museum members $12. Cost does not include admission to the Art Institute.

More information: 815-753-1936, hgreen2@niu.edu or niu.edu/artmuseum

NIU Art Museum bus trip to see "Impressionism: Fashion and Modernity" and "Undressed: The Fashion of Privacy" at the Art Institute of Chicago. Return at 6:45 p.m. General admission to the Art Institute is $23 for adults, $17 for students and seniors. Registration and payment are due by Sept. 19.

Glidden Homestead Tours

Time: Noon – 4 p.m.

Dates: Sundays through October; next, Sept. 22

Place: Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway

Cost: Adults $4; children younger than 14, free

More information: gliddenhomestead.org

Tours of the home of Joseph F. Glidden, who invented The Winner style of barbed wire there in 1874. There are also demonstrations in a working on-site blacksmith shop.

A screening of the Hitchcock classic starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly. After the film, two Northern Illinois University professors will lead a discussion on the movie.

Open Mic Night

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Every Monday; next, Sept. 23

Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

More information: 815-787-9547

Tired of Being Tired?

Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 24

Place: Kish Hospital Cancer Center

More information: 815-748-2958 or kishhospital.org/programs

A nurse practitioner and physical therapist explain the causes and symptoms of fatigue related to cancer treatment, and address preventing and treating fatigue. Registration is required for this free program.

Balance Screening

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 25

Place: 400 E. Hillcrest Drive

More information: 815-758-5508

Free balance screenings last about 20 minutes; reservations required.

Child Safety Seat Check

Time: 4 – 6 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 25

Place: Family Service Agency, 14 Health Services Drive

More information: 815-899-0137

DeKalb police technicians will check to see if child safety seats are properly installed in this free event.

Control Your Cholesterol

Time: 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 25

Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or kishhospital.org/programs

Whether your cholesterol is high or normal, lifestyle changes can help you maintain healthy levels. Get a variety of tools and resources to develop healthy habits. If you have cholesterol test results, bring them. Registration is required for this free program.

Kidney Disease and Diet

Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 26

Place: Kish Hospital Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or kishhospital.org/programs

Learn more about diet restrictions and recommendations for people with chronic kidney disease in this presentation by a renal dietitian. Registration is required for this free program.

Traditional homestyle meat loaf, pork loaf with onions and apples or Sicilian meat loaf (with ham, Swiss cheese and marinara sauce), with mashed potatoes and a vegetable. Dine in or carry-out. Tickets can be bought in advance online or at the door. Tickets can also be purchased in advance and donated to guests in need.

History Exhibit Closing Reception

Time: 7 – 9 p.m.

Date: Friday, Sept. 27

Place: DeKalb Area Women's Center, 1021 State St.

Closing reception for Pesut family memories. The exhibit features the immigrant experience of this Croation family who settled in Finn Town in early DeKalb.

Egyptian Theatre Benefit Concert

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Friday, Sept. 27

Place: Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

Tickets: $20-$55

More information: 815-758-1215 or egyptiantheatre.org

Glam rockers Enuff Z'Nuff, Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band Creedence Again and DJ Mancow Muller will take the stage in this concert to benefit the Egyptian Theatre. Tickets range from $20 to $40; meet-and-greets with the artists are available for an extra $15.

DeKalb County Toy Run

Time: 3 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 28

Place: DeKalb Harley-Davidson, 969 N. Peace Road

Cost: Riders $10, passengers $5, one new, unwrapped toy per bike

This is the kick-off event for DeKalb County Toys for Tots. Registration opens at 3 p.m. and bikes leave at 4 p.m. The ride ends at the Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St. in Genoa, for an after-party. All funds and toys raised stay in DeKalb County.

A free workshop for people interested in starting a child care business in their home. Registration required.

Drive-Thru Dinner Fundraiser

Time: 4 – 7 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 1

Place: Feed'em Soup, 122 S. First St.

Cost: $10

Dinner consists of a two-piece barbecued or marinated chicken dinner with BLT pasta salad, coleslaw and a dinner roll. Proceeds will be split between Feed'em Soup and the Ben Gordon Center.

GENOA

Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Wednesdays; next, Sept. 18

Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care

A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.

History Museum Brown Bag Lunch

Time: Noon – 1 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 18

Place: Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society and Museum, 622 Park Ave., inside the Water Works building

Presenter Frank Engel will talk about how a hobby turned into a side business, restoring and erecting windmils.

Line Dancing

Time: 7 – 11:30 p.m.

Date: Third Friday of every month; next, Sept. 20

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Cost: $5

Line dancing by dancers' request. Split floor for couple dances and line dances.

Hymn Sing

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Fourth Sunday of every month; next, Sept. 22

Place: Emmaus Baptist Church, 701 Pearson St.

Girls Only ... Your Changing Body

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: Monday, Sept. 23

Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care

Cost: $10 per family

More information: 815-748-8962 or kishhospital.org/programs

For girls ages 9 to 12 and an adult female relative. The natural physical and emotional changes young girls experience can be overwhelming. Knowing what to expect can make the transition smoother. Registration is required.

Bingo

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Every Tuesday; next, Sept. 24

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Blood Drive

Time: 8 a.m. – noon

Date: Sunday, Sept. 29

Place: St. Catherine Church, 340 S. Stott St.

HINCKLEY

Story Time

Times: 12:45 p.m. Tuesdays, 9:45 a.m. Wednesdays

Dates: Tuesdays and Wednesdays in September and October; next, Sept. 18

Place: Hinckley Public Library, 100 N. Maple St.

More information: 815-286-3220 or hinckley.lib.il.us

Story time for children ages 2 to 5. Register at the library.

After-School Movies

Time: 4 p.m.

Dates: Fridays in September; next, Sept. 20

Place: Hinckley Public Library, 100 N. Maple St.

More information: 815-286-3220 or hinckley.lib.il.us

Free G or PG-rated movie shown every week, with free popcorn.

KINGSTON

Christian Senior Ministry Walk

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Sept. 29

Place: Walcamp, on Five Points Road north of Kingston

Cost: Free-will donation; donations are matched by Thrivent for Lutherans

Fundraising walk for Christian Senior Ministry, which offers worship services at senior residential facilities in Sycamore, DeKalb and Rochelle. There will be bingo and refreshments for those who choose not to walk.

KIRKLAND

Kirkland Historical Society

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 18

Place: Denny Rehn's Farm Museum, 3822 Stone Quarry Road

The meeting will begin with a potluck supper; attendees are asked to bring a dish to pass. Jim Moffit will be the speaker, talking about antique farm tools and early kitchen utensils.

King Cut meals are adult meals with a double portion of meat. Carryouts are available. Tickets can be bought from church members or at the door. Menu includes roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet buttered peas, raspberry applesauce, salad, dinner roll, dessert and drink.

SYCAMORE

Story Time

Times: 10 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 7 p.m. Thursday

Dates: Wednesdays and Thursdays through April; next, Sept. 18

Place: Sycamore Public Library

More information: 815-895-2500 or sycamorelibrary.org

For independent children 3 to 6 years old. Caregivers must remain in the library, but need not remain in the room with the children.

Bingo

Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15

Date: Every Wednesday; next, Sept. 18

Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.

Garden Story Time: Fall Changes

Time: 10 – 11 a.m.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 19

Place: Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St.

More information: 815-895-5762 or sycamorehistory.org

Children ages 3 to 6 are invited to enjoy an autumn-themed story, songs and crafts. Free; registration is recommended.

DeKalb Christian Women's Connection

Time: Noon

Date: Thursday, Sept. 19

Place: Blumen Gardens, 325 Edward St.

Cost: $9

More information: 815-762-5513

Speaker is Teresa Rutherford. Special feature is on picture framing, by Hobby Lobby.

More information: 815-895-6518 or amonational.com/event/nash-history-car-show

A display of Nash automobiles and speakers and information on the history of the Nash company, whose founder, Charles W. Nash, was born in Cortland.

Venom and Poison

Time: 11 a.m. – noon

Date: Saturday, Sept. 21

Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St.

Cost: Free with museum admission

More information: 815-895-9777 or mmnh.org

Learn about animals that defend themselves with venom. Includes experiments, examining mounted specimens and meeting live animals. For ages 8 and older; children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Gospel and Bluegrass Concert

Time: 5 – 10 p.m.

Date: Third Saturday of each month; next, Sept. 21

Place: Sycamore Baptist Church, 302 Somonauk St.

More information: 815-895-2577

There will be an audience sing at 6 p.m. and acoustic bluegrass starting at 6:30 p.m. Musicians are invited to join throughout the evening. The concert is free; free-will donations are accepted.

Electronics Recycling Collection

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Third Saturday of each month; next, Sept. 21

Place: Public Works Building, 475 N. Cross St.

Items accepted for recycling include anything with a battery or that plugs into a wall; batteries; refrigerators; monitors; scrap metal; cardboard and plastic.

Farmers Market

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Dates: Sundays through Sept. 29; next, Sept. 22

Place: Corner of Elm and Somonauk streets

Snake Feeding

Time: 1 – 1:15 p.m.

Date: Sundays through Oct. 20; next, Sept. 22

Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St.

Cost: Free with museum admission

More information: mmnh.org

Learn about the museum's resident live snakes while watching staff feed them.

Celebrating the release of local history book "Why Sycamore Works." There will be a panel discussion with Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy and several of the industry leaders featured in the book. Copies of the book will be available for $10.

Blood Drive

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 28

Place: Bill Cho's United Tae Kwon Do, 1598 DeKalb Ave.

Touch a Truck

Time: 1 – 3 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 28

Place: Farm & Fleet, 1300 DeKalb Ave.

More information: 815-895-3202 or sycamoreparkdistrict.com

Children can explore fire, police, construction, agriculture and utility vehicles.

Kids 1k begins at 4:45 p.m., adult 5k run or 1-mile walk begin at 5:30 p.m. Proceeds support LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a program for cancer survivors.

Tale Weavers

Time: 4 p.m.

Date: Monday, Sept. 30

Place: Sycamore Public Library

More information: 815-895-2500

Storyteller Bruce Wallace will share a folk tale, and children will make a craft.

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners: Site Selection and Raised Beds

Time: 3 – 4 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 2

Place: University of Illinois Extension, 1350 W. Prairie Drive

Cost: $5 or $12 for a series of three related programs

More information: 815-758-8194 or web.extension.edu/bdo

This vegetable gardening for beginners course is offered in three parts. Attend any one part for $5 or pay $12 for all three. The remaining classes are Cool Season Vegetable Crops and Season Extension Oct. 9 and Garden Planning and Variety Selection Oct. 30.

WATERMAN

Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Thursdays; next, Sept. 19

Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care

A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.